First, let us be on the right side

Comparison is so natural. It is fine as long as it inspires and the moment it gets into a different unwanted zone including greed, attitude, complex etc, one needs to be careful. We very often compare and quote others when we perform poorly or when we go wrong or commit a mistake, the normal defense is “not just me’, “what about him or her”, “punish or penalize others as well”. This can be seen in work-life more often where typically such pointers are made when things go wrong, when schedules are not adhered to or when deliveries are delayed or turn shabby.

A few months back, I was driving my car and a bus was ahead of me and another SUV was behind me. Both were driving at a relatively high speed and hence I also had to retain the same speed. As we approached a traffic signal, I tried to drive past the signal though the light had moved from amber to red. A police officer stopped me and I had to slide to the left and park the vehicle. I realized that I had crossed when it was clearly red and had been caught red-handed! The policeman checked my license and told me that I had to pay the charges for skipping the signal. I explained to him that I couldn’t see the light and that another vehicle was behind me honking now and then. He didn’t seem to care. I finally told him that even the speeding bus skipped the signal and why he didn’t dare stop the bus and why this prejudice. In his typical policeman language, he said ‘you first be on the right side before you blame anyone else’. It did hit me instantly and he did teach me a lesson in just a dozen words.

I apologized sincerely and he actually let me go without a fine. If I am wrong, I am wrong irrespective of whether others are. I also learnt another lesson. Seeking an apology sincerely when one is wrong is a courageous act and the returns are instant most times. The penal charges were absolved. Lessons are around us and even the traffic lights may signal the same at times.